Kenyan courts have, in the last three months, handed down stiff penalties to 13 people found guilty of vandalizing electricity infrastructure worth millions in several parts of the country.
The rulings delivered between March and May 2026 highlight the gravity of electricity vandalism under the Energy Act, 2019, even as more than 10 cases remain pending in Kenyan courts.
In Eldoret, Chief Magistrate’s Court convicted three men on May 6, 2026, for vandalism and theft of energy equipment. Ernest Kemboi and Amos Swahili were sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment for each count, while Isaac Maiyos was fined Ksh 5 million, or 10 years in default.
Two other accused, Victor Ndayala and Juliah Mburu, are still before the court, with mention set for May 25, 2026.
In Machakos County, Kithimani Law Court handed two men a 10 year-jail terms or a fine of Ksh 5 million each after being convicted of vandalizing a Kenya Power transformer worth more than Ksh 850,000.
The ruling found Stanley Mutia Nyamai alias _Stano_ and Daniel Kamau Wambui alias _Hunter_ guilty under Section 169 of the Energy Act for vandalism of energy installations and infrastructure.
Exhibits linked to the crime, including transformer laminations, coils, bolts, Kenya Power overalls and approximately 140 litres of transformer oil were found at the convicts’ premises.
In Vihiga County, Luanda Magistrates Court sentenced Martin Mutuku Mbiti and Joseph Imbaya Orubi to five years in prison each for vandalism of energy structure contrary to section 169 (1) (b) of the Energy Act No.1 of 2019.
What convictions of vandals mean for Kenya Power
Welcoming the court’s ruling, Kenya Power Managing Director and CEO, Dr. Eng. Joseph Siror said: “These convictions sends a strong message to everyone that vandalism has no place in our society. It is a serious crime punishable by law.”
“When vandalism occurs, it affects essential services, communities, and businesses and this is something we must stop. As a Company we shall keep on working with communities and law enforcement agencies to ensure safe and reliable power supply to our customers.
“In carrying out this campaign, we also want to thank the communities that are working with us to ensure that we continue to create awareness on anti-vandalism. Together, let’s protect our installations because when we shine, everyone shines,” added Dr. Siror.
Additional convictions between March and April include that of Richard Mureithi who was sentenced by Siakago Court to 10 years imprisonment or fine of Kshs 5 million on the first count and Ksh 2 million or 2 years imprisonment on the second count.
